News and Upcoming Events
Tyrone Williams (1954-2024)
Tyrone Williams died Monday, March 11, in Cincinnati, surrounded by friends, after being diagnosed with cancer less than a month before. Born and raised in Detroit and a graduate of Wayne State University (BA, MA, PhD), Tyrone came to Xavier in 1983 and retired in December of 2022 after nearly 40 years of service.
Tyrone taught Modern American poetry, Literary Theory, Studies in Fiction, Literature and the Moral Imagination, First-Year Seminar, African-American Literature, World Literature, and many other courses in English. He served as English Department Chair from 2000-2006. He also taught in the PPP major from its inception and was instrumental in multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on Xavier’s campus, including co-directing the Gender and Diversity Studies Program with Margo Heydt. He authored the document for the first diversity curriculum requirement, and helped develop and then directed the Africana Studies minor.
A poet, scholar, and lyricist who penned the lyrics of the Xavier alma mater, Tyrone was a valued teacher, mentor, and friend. At turns laconic observer and eloquent repository of institutional knowledge, Tyrone quietly served the university in numerous capacities, fighting battles and stepping in where needed, always without fanfare.
A prodigious intellect and a voracious reader, legend has it Tyrone never taught the same focus of Literature and the Moral Imagination twice. He was the author of eight full-length volumes of poetry and numerous critical articles and reviews. He traveled extensively, giving poetry readings at venues across the country, as well as important critical papers at many academic conferences. A major figure in the national poetry community, judging prizes and editing various publications, he was beloved and admired by his contemporaries, and a mentor to many younger poets. His latest book, Stilettos in a Rifle Range, was published by Wayne State University Press in December 2022.
Tyrone’s appointment as the David Gray Chair of Poetry and Letters at SUNY Buffalo in 2023 was his lifetime achievement award of sorts, a second act after a long and storied career at Xavier. We miss his dry wit, his great laugh, and his gracious, unassuming, supportive presence. We deeply grieve his loss.
– Jodi Wyett, Professor and Chair of English
To view a recording of the campus memorial service for Dr. Williams, please click the link below:
https://xu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=63de4a8e-c381-473d-885b-b15801321b8e
Book Speed Dating
Are you an English major or English major curious? Do you enjoy quality time with a good book? Are you in a "reading rut" and looking to expand your horizons? Then join the English department for a book speed dating event where you could win books, make friends, eat snacks and potentially form long-term relationships with new ideas and authors.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 11th 3:00-4:00PM
Where: Hinkle Hall Lounge
Celebrating Books in English
All are welcome to attend an event celebrating the recent publications of books by English professors Norman Finkelstein, Kristen Renzi, and Graley Herren. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 3:30-5:00 pm, on the first floor of McDonald Library (by the back garden). The authors will sign copies and speak about their respective books, and light refreshments will be served afterwards.
C Dylan (Conner) Bassett and Yalie Saweda Kamara Reading
Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6:00 p.m.
The University Library and the English Department are co-hosting C Dylan (Conner) Bassett and Yalie Saweda Kamara reading from their recently published books on Thursday, February 22nd, 6:00 PM reception, 7:00 PM reading, in the library first floor interior garden area.
Dr. Norman Finkelstein Reading
Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m.
Please join the University Library in welcoming Emeritus Professor of English Dr. Norman Finkelstein as he reads from his latest book of poetry, "Further Adventures" on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in the McDonald Library first-floor garden area. The evening will include a conversation about his work facilitated by Professor of English Dr. Kristen Renzi, followed by a reception. This event is sponsored by the University Library and the endowed Humanities Reading Room. For more information, please contact Library Assistant Director Alison Morgan.
2023 Fortin Award Winner
Dr. Kristen Renzi
Associate Professor
Department of English
Chair, Department of Race, Intersectionality, Gender, and Sociology
Selection Committee Statement:
This year’s recipient of the Roger A. Fortin Award for Outstanding Teaching and Scholarship in the Humanities is Associate Professor Kristen Renzi of the Department of English. Prof. Renzi joined Xavier’s faculty in 2013. Since then, she has been extraordinarily active in her teaching and scholarship. Her reputation as a caring and patient teacher is well known in the College. Most notably, Xavier students praise her teaching for introducing them to the life of the mind. One student marveled: “Dr. Renzi challenged me to think about the world in a new and exciting way.” Another observed: “She is awesome. Respectful, kind, patient, and makes us really think critically about what we were assigned to read.” Her scholarly activity has likewise been remarkably productive; she has published three books (including two poetry collections) and over a dozen essays and articles. In both her scholarship and her teaching, she has proven to be a keen listener, ever open to the perspectives and voices of the outsider or misfit. Besides teaching a wide range of courses for the English Department, Prof. Renzi help found and currently chairs the Department of Race, Gender, Intersectionality, and Sociology (RIGS). In all respects, Professor Renzi is an exemplary teacher-scholar.